During his time in Nashville, his songs have been recorded by country musicians including Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins, John Michael Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, Jessica Andrews, and Mark Wills, among others.

Slater recently was nominated for the country song of the year Grammy for Jamey Johnson's "The High Cost of Living".

[3] Slater's song "Maggie Creek Road" is featured on Reba McEntire's 2009 album Keep On Loving You, which debuted at number 1 on the pop and country charts.

In October 2016, Slater signed with BMG Music Publishing under industry veteran Chris Oglesby joining a roster including Hillary Lindsey, busbee, Tony Lane, and Travis Meadows.

Luke Combs released James' song "Joe" cowritten with Luke and Erik Dylan and performed it as well on the Grand Old Opry Stage... Hailey Whitters also recorded and performed James' song "Casseroles" at the Grand Old Opry, co written by Hillary Lindsey and Tom Douglas.